Our view: Learning center’s closing a real loss

It's always sad when a business closes. The closing signals the end to hopes and dreams of the owners.

But even sadder is when a non-profit closes its doors. And such is the case with the YES Learning Center in McLouth, which is closing its doors at the end of the day today.

The non-profit day-care center was built two years ago. And it's filled a need in the McLouth community, as it provided services to a wide variety of children -- from infants through 10-year-olds.

The closing of the center, which is at the north end of McLouth's downtown, will leave some big shoes to fill. It's difficult to establish a day-care center. Regulations are extensive, as they should be.

And so, the families of the 40 or so children enrolled at the YES Learning Center have been scrambling to find other, suitable and safe settings for their children. And the staff at the center, and all of the volunteers who worked so hard on this dream, now must deal with the loss, as well.

The president of the board of directors for the center isn't saying why it's closing. And while a "no comment" in these situations always raises an eyebrow or two, the fact remains that the McLouth area is losing a valuable asset, one that will be difficult to replace.

And it's a sad occasion for all of the many people whose lives were touched by the center.